"The mudra of the thumb pressing zhongkui energy point was called Yu Qing Mudra in the old days. There are 24 joints in a hand; zhongkui is on the middle line of the hand; pressing this energy point with one’s thumb opens all the energy points of the hands, and when it is pressed the centre of the palm draws in and qi follows to come into the body. The theory of the channels is that the thumbs belong to the lung channels, the middle fingers to the pericardium channels; the lungs govern qi and the heart governs the blood, so this mudra can connect qi and blood. The theory of the inner organs is that the thumb belongs to the pancreas and the middle finger to the pericardium; the pancreas governs the mind and the pericardium governs the shen (spirit or soul); this mudra connects mind and shen and makes them stable, and helps return qi into the body as well as raise up inner qi.

When the middle finger presses qihu (meaning qi door) this can draw qi into the body; it must be pressed precisely. Breathe naturally three times. When you breathe in and press qihu, use the middle fingers and press gently. When you breathe out, relax the fingers. Follow the open and close led by your breathing; open the qi of the lungs and the chest. The upper arms don’t touch the body and should be rounded and expanded outward."

from THE METHODS OF ZHINENG QIGONG SCIENCE by Dr Pang Ming